(CNN) - Shortly after Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney enjoyed cookies and soft drinks with the Rev. Billy Graham and his son Franklin Graham on Thursday at the elder Graham's mountaintop retreat, a reference to Mormonism as a cult was scrubbed from the website of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

In a section of the website called Billy Graham's My Answer there had been the question "What is a cult?"

Answer: "A cult is any group which teaches doctrines or beliefs that deviate from the biblical message of the Christian faith."

"Some of these groups are Jehovah's Witnesess, Mormons, the Unification Church, Unitarians, Spritualists, Scientologists, and others," the site continued.

No longer. On Tuesday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association confirmed that page has recently been removed from the site.

“Our primary focus at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has always been promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Ken Barun, chief of staff for the association, told CNN in a statement. "We removed the information from the website because we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign."

Romney is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members of which are known as Mormons.

The information about cults can be found on cached sections of the website on Archive.org from June 5, 2010.

The theological question of where Mormons fit on the religious spectrum has drawn more attention because of Romney's candidacy. Mormons consider themselves to be strong Christians. Many traditional Christian denominations disagree, though rank-and-file members have their own views on the matter.

The removal of the post from the Graham group's website was first noted by the New Civil Rights Movement website and then later by the Asheville Citizen-Times, which reported that the information on cults was accessed as recently as Thursday afternoon.

Last week's meeting between Romney and Graham was their first.

After the 30 minute sit-down in Montreat, North Carolina, just outside Asheville, Romney campaign spokesman Rick Gorka told reporters that Billy Graham led a prayer for the Romneys, saying "I'll do all I can to help you. And you can quote me on that."

The evangelist who has been called America's pastor and has prayed with every American president since Harry Truman said in a statement following the meeting that "It was a privilege to pray with Gov. Romney — for his family and our country."

Graham met with President Barack Obama in 2010 and with Sen. John McCain when he was the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in 2008.

"I will turn 94 the day after the upcoming election, and I believe America is at a crossroads," Graham's statement continued. "I hope millions of Americans will join me in praying for our nation and to vote for candidates who will support the biblical definition of marriage, protect the sanctity of life and defend our religious freedoms."

When asked about Graham's beliefs about Mormonism, Graham spokesman A. Larry Ross said in a statement that "Through an inclusive evangelistic ministry spanning more than 60 years, Mr. Graham was called to preach the transformative message of the Gospel to the whole world, regardless of one’s religious background, affiliation or none. As such, he never proselytized, targeted or labeled specific people, groups, faiths or denominations.

"Neither did Mr. Graham attempt to divide his audience before he had opportunity to preach to them. He has a genuine love for all people, and faithfully proclaimed the love of God to everyone, providing opportunity for them to respond by making a faith commitment.

"Mr. Graham’s calling is not to pass judgment, but to proclaim the biblical truth that Jesus is the only way to heaven, allowing every individual and group to fall along that plumb line," the statement went on.

"He further stressed that salvation is the work of Almighty God, and that only He knows what is in each human heart," the statement said.

The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest Protestant denomination, lists the LDS Church as a theological cult. The Catholic Church also does not recognize Mormon baptisms as being theologically compatible with its own.

The LDS Church has long bristled at being called a cult. Mormons note the many similarities and overlap between their teachings and that of other churches but point to their belief in other scriptures like the Book of Mormon as the reason they split with other churches.

In the 2012 campaign Romney has been generally quiet about his church, though his role as a lay church leader was prominently featured in the Republican National Convention, and his campaign has allowed members of the press pool accompanying Romney to film him attending services.

soundoff(4,065 Responses)

A. S. Mathew

Dr. Graham, even with his close personal friendship with a few of the U.S. Presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson-Richard Nixon-Ronald Reagan-George Bush Sr., never revealed to the the U.S. electorate, to which candidate he was going to vote. Here, his solid promise and endorsement of Gov. Romney, who is a Mormon Church member is a total detour of
Dr. Graham's nature. The national day prayer was started by the influence of Dr. Graham, and President Obama cancelled the national day of prayer in 2008. Besides, for the first time in the history of the Whitehouse, he invited the Muslims-
Hindus and Sikh religious followers to conduct their religious functions like Ramadan and Deepavali at the Whitehouse. These are rather totally confusing and challenging warning signals to the Biblical based foundations of the U.S. Dr. Graham felt some divine leading to stand firm with Gov. Romney at this critically challenging time of the U.S. history.

Does a the CORE BELIEF System of a President MATTER? I think so. MORMONS have no interest or concern about ANY of US ‘Lesser Beings’ – They have been told that if they perform all the RITUALS they will become GODS (Just like Jesus and his Brother LUCIFER) and the god on the Star Kolob (Really) will give them their Own Planet – so who cares about EARTH – and all Non-Mormons can ONLY aspire to be ‘Ministering Angel’ SERVANTS of the Mormon GODS

October 16, 2012 at 8:16 pm |

Wayne Gregory

The first sign of a cult is what do they say about Jesus? Mormons have a different Jesus. The Jesus of the bible is not the
brother of Lucifer. The only "authority" of true Christianity is the Holy Bible. Nothing else. May your Godless traditions perish
with you....

cult/kəlt/
Noun:
A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.
A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.
Synonyms:
worship – religion – adoration

Peace...

October 16, 2012 at 8:20 pm |

ChicagoFriend

Christians who believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly, and also believe the Book of Mormon the be the word of God are sometimes called Mormons. But that is only a nickname. The largest portion of this group is: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with membership in year 2012 approaching 6 million in the USA and 14 million world wide.

You may be unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ. So here are 5 questions and answers about the Book of Mormon and what it teaches about Jesus Christ:

1. Does the Book of Mormon teach that Jesus Christ lived, died, was resurrected, and is alive today?
Yes. (see pages 428-430, 98)

2. Does the Book of Mormon teach that Jesus Christ is Deity?
Yes. (see pages 312-313, 101, 80-81)

3. Does the Book of Mormon teach that Jesus was born of a virgin?
Yes. (see pages 19-20)

4. Does the Book of Mormon teach that God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are one Godhead, or Deity?
Yes. (see pages 235-237, 114-115)

5. Does the Book of Mormon teach that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of all mankind, satisfying the demands of justice, so that God might extend mercy and grace to all people?
Yes. (see pages 293 – 296, 103-104)

For a free copy of the Book of Mormon visit http://www.mormon.org

October 17, 2012 at 9:18 pm |

acheptler

Awwww...the Toothfairy faction and the Santa Claus faction are playing nice!

October 16, 2012 at 8:14 pm |

PoBoy

They will go back on list after the election, especially if Romney loses. This is just the conservative right falling in line with the establishment so they can get their man elected even though they like him about as much as they like Barney Frank. There is an arab saying that goes something like "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Congratulations Mitt, you are their friend for a few short weeks. Enjoy it!

October 16, 2012 at 8:14 pm |

David Block

Why is it that many conservative christians are revising their opinion concerning Mormonism? For over 40 years I have rarely heard the word Mormon without it being followed by the word "cult". If the religion deviates from the biblical principles and yet calls itself a Christian church then it must be a cult. I am OK with this definition. Joseph Smith, the first prophet after the death of Christ said God told him to join none of the christian churches. They are ALL an abomination. All of the church's prophets have regarded the Old and New Testaments as flawed and in need of correction. This is why the Book of Mormon was revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith.
Four years ago Barak Obama, who claims to be a christian, was attacked because of things his pastor had spoken. Will conservative truth tellers hold the words of the prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints against Willard "Mitt" Romney?
Joseph Smith said that 'as man now is God once was, and as God is now, man may become'. This is not an announcement that has been walked back by subsequent prophets. Smith also claimed that our heavenly father is the spiritual father of all mankind and that we have a heavenly mother as well. (our heavenly mother is one of God's wives). Joseph Smith also told us that the real Garden of Eden was located in the present state of Missouri. The list could go on and on. Brigham Young, the 2nd prophet of the church after Joseph Smith was martyred, once claimed that Jesus was married during his earthly mortal ministry.
Conservatives tell us that because Barak Obama's father hated the U.S. his son Barak must also hate the U.S. It must be passed down through genes. Have we investigated Mitt Romney's personal past and possible motives for hating the U.S.?
Mormaons were persecuted in Missouri, Illinois, New York, Ohio, etc. Their prophet was murdered in Illinois and to escape future persecution Brigham Young (Smith's succesor) lead the saints to Mexico. Problems began when the U.S. seized control of this territory now known as the state of Utah. Mormons were not happy with the advancing U.S. Army and attacked its supply train. Perhaps this is why Mitt hates the U.S. Or, perhaps he hates the U.S. because Mitt's grandfather had to flee to Mexico in order to avoid being arrested for practicing poligamy.

October 16, 2012 at 8:13 pm |

ohioan

Read "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakaurer. Sorry, but anyone who follows a religion based on the writings of the womanizer and traveling palm reader Joseph Smith needs to rethink their belief system. As for Mitt Romney, he'll do anything to be president, including lying through his eyeteeth. He's a greased weathervane, changing direction on issues as quickly as the wind direction changes.

October 16, 2012 at 8:12 pm |

XSMguest

The Mormon church I was raised in taught me Blacks were black because they had sinned in the pre-existence, or before birth. Women were required to pledge obedience to their husbands in temple ceremonies. I was told that by the year 2000 the earth was going to burn to a crisp and only Mormons would be left, and that if you murdered someone you would go to a better place than people who left the church, known as "sons of perdition." They also told me a Mormon was destined to become President. That is a prophecy of Joseph Smith. He believes the United States was created by God so that the Mormon church could come into existence.

Mormonism is the only know "religion" that has been proven to be false. I mean proven scientifically false. And Joseph Smith proven to be a con man and liar. His "Book of Abraham" has been proven to be a completely false "translation" of an Egyptian scroll that is considered Mormon doctrine. The entire Book of Mormon is based on a disproven claim that the American Indians are descended from Jews (!). Cult or not, do you want someone who believes such nonsense to anser the "3 am call"?

Three minutes will get you up to speed:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3wlKJDn138&w=640&h=360]

October 16, 2012 at 8:08 pm |

Mark

A lot of people think Mormons do not believe in Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believe that God sent Jesus to the Earth to atone for our sins. Just like any of the other main stream religions. We believe in Baptisms, and use the bible references from John The Baptist as a guide when performing baptisms. The long name for the Mormon Church is "The First Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." Why would we have Jesus's name in the name of our Church if we did not believe he was the son of God.. All the people who make statement like that about the Mormon church really don't understand what it is about. You should do some research before you make statements about things you don't understand instead of just condemning them. Besides it really does matter if the President is a Mormon or Catholic or a non-Christian faith. The President doesn't run the country, Congress does. Even the Mormon Church has remained neutral and has not endorsed Mitt Romney. I will be voting for Romney because Obama has had almost 4 years to try to fix the problems this country has, and he hasn't done a very good job, it is time for a change.

October 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm |

I'm not a GOPer, nor do I play one on TV

@Mark,

You can keep fighting the fight. You probably got an email to 'get on-line quick! CNN is talking about Mormonism again'.

But it doesn't make a bit of difference. Nobody changes their minds here.

Billy Graham has called Mormonism a cult for 50 years. His son Franklin is happy to erase that reference online, no doubt for a large donation from one of Mitt's SuperPACs.

The problem is NO Christian community EVER came from one man, as Mormonism did from ole Joe Smith. Christianity arose in community, and was community valididated, and NEVER from an individual. The preposterous notions of golden plates, and translating non-existent hieroglyphs that have been proven false, and all his other crap allows no rational person to accept Mormonism.

Well THAT makes a lot of sense. Go back to the party that created the problems.

October 16, 2012 at 8:15 pm |

inthemidl

@Mark – – – I am a big believer in everyone should have freedon of religion, so don't think that I am trying to "slam" your religion. BUT< I think what compels others to call the mormon religion a cult and not a Christian religion is the fact that it teaches that a god that used to be a man came down to Earth that he rules to impregnate Mary and created Jesus Christ; and that Jesus Christ and Satan are brothers. True? If not, the case, please educate those that are not of this religion.

October 16, 2012 at 8:15 pm |

jeangif

"The President doesn't run the country, Congress does. ... I will be voting for Romney because Obama has had almost 4 years to try to fix the problems this country has, and he hasn't done a very good job, it is time for a change."

If the President doesn't run the country, Congress does, why are you blaming President Obama for not fixing the country's problems. The facts are: (a) that he inherited an enormous batch of problems from eight years of incompetent Republican leadership; and (b) the Republicans in Congress have stated quite clearly that their primary goal is to oppose everything President Obama tries to do. Rather than vote for another Republican President to take the country backward again, logic would call for voting for a Democrat Congress so we could actually find out how good a job President Obama could do if Congress didn't block everything.

October 16, 2012 at 8:21 pm |

Wayne Boese

Mark–
Those problems owe their root causes to eight years of Bush. Now you want to vote for a man that espouses the very things that got us in trouble. You admit Congress runs the country, time to give Obama a cooperative Congress for longer than 67 days. Man up and admit you're voting Rmoney because he is a fellow Saint. No observant LDS accepts scientific facts and are deserving of our scorn.

October 16, 2012 at 8:23 pm |

ohioan

Yeah, the republicans left the president the worst domestic and foreign policy mess any president has inherited, but he just didn't clean up their mess fast enough. Right? And he has to deal with an obstructionist congress who is more interested in getting back the White House than doing what's right for the American people. And why your at it, call him an alien, a Muslim, a socialist. No, Mark, there's more to it than your take. Is it because the man is half African American? Or maybe he didn't run a company which sent jobs to China? Or what?

October 16, 2012 at 8:28 pm |

Mark

The problems that are plaguing this country go back a lot further than Bush, the financial crisis had been building before Bush. There were regulations put in force, but the real problem dates back further than Bush. And the oil problems date all the way back to the 70's when the Republicans tried to open up more areas to drilling and the Democrats wouldn't let them. For decades the Dems resisted any new drilling. At least under the country really started complaining about drilling. Then the Dems said sure we will open up more areas. Too little too late. Who knows if Romney can fix the problems this country has, but Obama had his chance, let somebody else have a try.

The fact that Romney said "China is buying us debt" proves he doesn't really understand monetary policy, and how bonds and currencies work. That is REALLY scary. We are exporting demand. THAT is the problem.

October 16, 2012 at 8:40 pm |

Mark

Ohioan, do you just listen to everything the Dem party says? A company the Romney was a part of may have outsourced jobs but that was done as a financial decision from the company, not necessarily a decision Romney made. Lots of companies outsourced because it made money for the company. That doesn't make it right, but that shouldn't condemn somebody from being President. I am sure plenty of Dems did the same thing. But since they are trying to make Romney look bad, it was a big point of reference. Both side do it. I will be glad when the election is over so we won't have to hear all the negative campaigning anymore. Even the Dems and Repubs were attacking each other in the primaries. I know I am not going to change anybody's mind, the bleeding heart liberals will never change.

October 16, 2012 at 8:47 pm |

lovestosing

I am glad Mormons aren't considered a cult. I am a member of the LDS church. It really makes me sad that people are so critical of what they don't know. I have never looked at any religion that I have no knowledge of and say rude things about it.

Hey Bucky... sent you an email last night to the address you left me. Great to hear from you.

Peace...

October 16, 2012 at 8:13 pm |

lovestosing

realbuckyball you are dumber than a bucket of hair. The name of the Mormon Church is The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. How can a church that worships Christ not be Christian? You know nothing and my time is more valuable to waste it on you and Athy. You're both sad individuals who should find real happiness in life.

cult/kəlt/
Noun:
A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.
A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.
Synonyms:
worship – religion – adoration

Peace...

October 16, 2012 at 8:16 pm |

I'm not a GOPer, nor do I play one on TV

@therealpeacetoall,

Now that the onslaught of posts has slowed down, the Mormon cavalry has arrived to defend their honor.

@lovestosing, ALL religions ARE indeed cults. Anyone who believes in and worships a deity whom they can not provide proof of the existing of said deity.

October 16, 2012 at 8:55 pm |

Journey

Evangelicals in American are the equivalent to the Wahhabi Muslims in Saudi Arabia. They live in a dump (the south), they live in dream world (175 years ago), they support terrorism (KKK), they've got their crazy imams going 24/7 (christian radio and TV), but when money and power are involved all that conviction suddenly goes out the proverbial window as we see above.

Obama/Biden 2012.

October 16, 2012 at 8:04 pm |

Ronald Regonzo

To the demoncrat it is always about money. To the Republican it is about control and restoring America to its Christian foundation, ending abortion on demand, restoring the sancti ty of marriage, reinstating school prayer, seeing that the various citizenry know their place and taking out the garbage. Romney / Ryan 2012

October 16, 2012 at 8:09 pm |

Journey

grammar correction:

Evangelicals in AMERICA

they live in A dream world

(apologies)

Obama/Biden 2012...no mistake there.

October 16, 2012 at 8:09 pm |

Evelyn Connaway

Billy Graham and Son Franklin, switch what they believe, just like Romney does, when money is involved they will follow and believe who ever they follow. They aren't christians, not the kind that God and Jesus Christ require you to be. How do you think the Grahams became so rich? How do you think Romney became so rich? Both will do any thing and say anything for the jingle of midas. As will all the TV ministries. They are blood suckers and don't have to pay taxes.

October 16, 2012 at 8:02 pm |

nope

How is it you say "god AND Jesus Christ". I thought Jesus Christ WAS god, (the son). In that case there is no difference. (BTW, you sentence is an example of the "no true Scotsman" fallacy).

October 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm |

GB333

So is it about Jesus and God.

Or is a about the control and manipulation of millions, mentally, spiritually, and financially.

I think faith is a good thing, I think organized religion, needs to go. A gold chair, and a crystal cathedral are so far out of scope with the things I learned from the bible.

October 16, 2012 at 8:01 pm |

Evelyn Connaway

I agree with and have always known the game organized religions play. The don't play by God's and Jesus Christ's rules/

October 16, 2012 at 8:07 pm |

Ronald Regonzo

There are only two parties in this race, Republicans and sinners. Sometimes you need to amend or suspend Truth to allow real Republican virtue to shine through. One small gesture from the prophet and a new era is born. Romney / Ryan 2012

October 16, 2012 at 8:00 pm |

lovestosing

Amen Ronald! I am glad someone who read CNN is intelligent!

October 16, 2012 at 8:08 pm |

wiseone

Where were the Republicans when a fanatical conservative murdered a legal abortion doctor? They said nothing!! do you think God approved the murder? What about congressman Gifford's shooting along with a 9-yr. old girl's dying from another conservative maniac? We have a man who wants to unseat the President. This man took jobs while letting families suffer with no pensions or healthcare. The jobs went overseas, and then the companies were harvested for profit. Do we really want a corrupt soul like Romney for President?.....I didn't think you did......Obama 2012...Forward!!!

October 16, 2012 at 8:17 pm |

Shazaam

Oddly, what looks like intelligence to some people looks like an entirely ridiculous assertion of opinion without any evidence, reason, or evident perspective to back it up. How embarrassing.

October 16, 2012 at 8:27 pm |

ImWEBSPY

Three party System, "You TWO say each other broke the system, I say your both right, time for a 3rd party to fix the problem, being you TWO"!

October 16, 2012 at 8:00 pm |

JM

So much 'let your yes be yes and your no no' or 'sell all you have and give to the poor'.

Can't stand Franklin Graham (although I do support Operation Christmas Child: putting together Christmas presents for poor kids around the world who have nothing).

October 16, 2012 at 8:00 pm |

Ronald Regonzo

It matters but cannot become legislated reality until the Kenyans are sent packing. Romney / Ryan 2012

October 16, 2012 at 8:02 pm |

JM

You are obviously not a Christian (or haven't actually read the Bible)...

October 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm |

Ronald Regonzo

Some folks are won by love, others you gotta nuke. You are either with us or against us. No Republican is ever limited by the Truth. Republican values need Republican leadership before the good can trickle down. We will define what is good and who is who, thank you very much JM and by the way Guantanamo isn't full yet. Romney / Ryan 2012

October 16, 2012 at 8:15 pm |

John

As they say out there : Everyone has a price. Lets wait and see for how much Mr. Grahan sold himself.

October 16, 2012 at 8:00 pm |

JM

...but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

October 16, 2012 at 8:03 pm |

JOHN

Agree graham sold out.

October 16, 2012 at 8:03 pm |

Ronald Regonzo

Money was not involved but the promise of restoring moral virtue to America is too great a hope to let a little heresy stand in the way. Romney / Ryan 2012

@JM, tell me, did Jesus go to the Mount of Olives to get olives or olive oil? Seriously, other than the bible what evidence do you present that there even ever was a Jesus character in history? Careful not to use the Christian apologetics lines

October 16, 2012 at 8:39 pm |

Abinadi

MICROSOFT FOUNDER, NFL OWNER, PAUL ALLEN, SPEAKS OUT ON MORMONS

Paul Allen is the owner of the Seattle Seahawks, the ones who played the

Pittsburgh Steelers for the Super Bowl a few years ago. He is also the owner

of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team and is co-partner with

Bill Gates in Microsoft. He wrote this editorial in the Santa Clarita,

California newspaper:

I have heard and seen enough! I have lived in the West all my life. I have

worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I was young

I dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my wedding. Now

that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have dated my daughters.

I would be privileged if one of them were to be my son-in-law.

I'm talking about the Mormons.

They are some of the most honest, hardworking people I have ever known. They

are spiritual, probably more than most other so-called religious people I

have encountered. They study the Bible and teach from it as much as any

Christian church ever has. They serve their religion without pay in every

conceivable capacity. Not one of their leaders, teachers, counselors,

Bishops or music directors receive one dime for the hours of labor they put

in.

The Mormons have a non-paid ministry – a fact that is not generally known. I

have heard many times from the pulpits of others how evil and non-Christian

they are and that they will not go to heaven. I decided recently to attend

one of their services near my home to see for myself.

What a surprise!

What I heard and saw was just the opposite from what the religious ministers

of the day were telling me. I found a very simple service with no fanfare. I

found a people with a great sense of humor and a well-balanced spiritual

side. There was no loud music. Just a simple service, with the members

themselves giving the several short sermons.

They urge their youth to be morally clean and live a good life. They teach

the gospel of Christ, as they understand it. The name of their church is

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Does that sound like a

non-Christian church to you? I asked them many questions about what they

teach and why. I got answers that in most cases were from the New Testament.

Their ideas and doctrines did not seem too far fetched for my understanding.

When I read their "Book of Mormon" I was also very surprised to find just

the opposite from what I had been told I would find.

Then I went to another church's pastor to ask him some of the same questions

about doctrine. To my surprise, when he found out that I was in some way

investigating the Mormons, he became hostile. He referred to them as a

non-Christian cult. I received what sounded to me like evil propaganda

against those people. He stated bluntly that they were not Christian and

that they did not fit into the Christian mold. He also told me that they don

t really believe the Bible. He gave me a pile of anti-Mormon literature. He

began to rant that the Mormons were not telling me the truth about what they

stand for. He didn't want to hear anything good about them. At first I was

surprised and then again, I wasn't. I began to wonder.

I have never known of a cult that supports the Boy Scouts of America.

According to the Boy Scouts, over a third of all the Boy Scout troops in the

United States are Mormon.

What cult do you know of that has a welfare system second to none in this

country? They have farms, canneries and cattle ranches to help take care of

the unfortunate ones who might be down and out and in need of a little help.

The Mormon Church has donated millions to welfare causes around the world

without a word of credit. They have donated thousands to help rebuild

Baptist churches that were burned a few years ago. They have donated tons of

medi cal supplies to countries rav aged by earthquakes.

You never see them on TV begging for money.. What cult do you know that

instills in its members to obey the law, pay their taxes, serve in the

military if asked and be a good Christian by living high moral standards?

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of Mormon youth get up before high

school starts in the morning to attend a religious training class? They have

basketball and softball leagues and supervised youth dances every month.

They are recruited by the FBI, the State Department and every police

department in the country, because they are Trustworthy. They are taught not

to drink nor take drugs. They are in the Secret Service – those who protect

the President. They serve in high leadership positions from both parties in

Congress and in the US Senate, and have been governors of several states

other than Utah. They serve with distinction and honor.

If you have Mormons living near, you will probably find them to be your best

friends and neighbors. They are Christians who try to live what they preach.

They are not perfect and they are the first to admit this. I have known some

of them who could not live their religion, just like many of us. The

rhetoric which is spread around against them is nothing more than evil

propaganda founded in untruths. (Others) had successfully demonized them to

the point that the general public has no idea what they actually believe and

teach. If you really want to know the truth, go see for yourself. You also

will be surprised.

When I first moved here some 25 years ago there were five Mormon wards in

Santa Clarita, Calif. Now there are 15. They must be doing something right.

"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. ....

They just make the best of everything."

October 16, 2012 at 7:58 pm |

Athy

Way too long. But I got great pleasure in scrolling past it.

October 16, 2012 at 8:01 pm |

I'm not a GOPer, nor do I play one on TV

@Athy

Funny!

And this: ""The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. .... from the man who owns the Seahawks and the Trail Blazers – almost as funny.

October 16, 2012 at 8:04 pm |

I'm not a GOPer, nor do I play one on TV

More sermons from the 1% of the 1% telling us little folk how to behave.

Yup, that's what America needs right now!

October 16, 2012 at 8:07 pm |

lovestosing

I have seen this before. Thanks for sharing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it again.

October 16, 2012 at 8:09 pm |

Hneftafl

Paul Allen of Microsoft didn't write that. It was written by a non-billionaire with the same name. Snopes confirms it. Nice try, though.

Argument from Authority Fallacy. Allen is no authority on religion. Try again.

October 16, 2012 at 8:35 pm |

I'm not a GOPer, nor do I play one on TV

@bucky,

it's not even that Paul Allen – just some guy with the same name in Santa Clarita, CA. This urban legend has been doing the rounds for 10 years.

Thanks to @Hneftafl for the tip off.

October 16, 2012 at 8:43 pm |

Bart

Looks like Christians now belive it is more important to have a Republican in office than a Christian in office. Having more money is more important than having more Christianity. Sellling out God for a tax cut. Ya'll better start thinking about what you are going to tell St Peter about this..

The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.